Mayors push to protect 'local identity'

Protecting local "identity" is crucial to any local government reform, North Canterbury mayors say.

The region’s mayors were responding to the Government’s announcement it was giving councils three months to come up with proposals to reorganise local government in their regions.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop warned the Government will step in if councils don’t come up with credible options.

It follows the Government’s announcement in November that it would replace elected regional councillors with boards of mayors who would be responsible for coming up with regional reorganisation plans and regional spatial plans.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said his council will carefully consider the latest proposal.

A Greater Christchurch unitary council has been floated, which would see Waimakariri joining with Christchurch and Selwyn.

‘‘Past consultations made our residents' position clear: Structural change is not the right fit for our district at this time,’’ Gordon said.

‘‘Waimakariri combines strong rural, farming, and small business foundations with urban lifestyles in our five main centres.

‘‘We remain open to discussing future options with our neighbours, but not at the expense of our district’s identity, local decision-making, or ratepayer-owned assets.’’

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said three months was a short timeframe to come up with solutions for the Canterbury region.

‘‘When we venture into such a highly principled change, we have to make certain that we don’t have any unintended consequences by rushing through such a significant shift in who we are and how we function for our community.’’

The Hurunui and Kaikōura district councils have formed a joint water services council controlled organisation, while Waimakariri opted to go it alone.

The Department of Internal Affairs received more than 1100 submissions on the proposals for local Government reform.

Minister Chris Bishop said there was support for change.

‘‘Many councils want more flexibility to get on with reform in a way that works for their region.

‘‘We’re giving them the opportunity to get on with it through a ‘head start’ pathway.

‘‘Our message to councils is simple: Lead your own reform, or we will do it for you. Either way, change is coming.’’

Local Government Minister Simon Watts said proposals should focus on ‘‘creating larger, more efficient unitary authorities’’.

‘‘Proposals don’t need to cover an entire region, but they must show clear support, strong leadership, and real benefits for communities.’’

Cabinet will decide which proposals to progress later this year to be signed off ahead of the 2028 local government elections.

It means regional councillors will see out their term.

The news has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury chairperson Dr Deon Swiggs.

‘‘The recognition of the regional sector’s role will allow for a smoother transition to a new structure that supports the delivery of regional council functions.’’

But Dr Swiggs said the Canterbury region was large and diverse, and three months may not long enough.

‘‘It’s absolutely clear the Government wants regional unitaries, but one unitary council isn’t likely to work, so how do you carve up Canterbury?

‘‘Locally identity is what we are known for, whether you are talking about Kaikōura or Hurunui, or Mackenzie.’’

He said the local government landscape would look different in future, with around 20 regional authorities replacing the existing 78 local, regional and unitary councils.

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.